Association of TGF-ß3 and ANXA11 with pulmonary sarcoidosis in Greek population.

BACKGROUND: In sarcoidosis, the direction and intensity of immunological reactions involved in disease pathophysiology is affected by variation in the genes coding for effector and regulatory molecules with immune functions. This study, therefore, investigates polymorphic variants in genes involved in inflammation, immune reactions, and granuloma formation in context of their plausible association with sarcoidosis, with specific focus on Greek population. METHODS: A total of 18 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in Greek patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (n = 103) and in healthy Greek control subjects (n = 100) using multiplexed MassARRAY (MassARRAY ®) iPLEX assay based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. RESULTS: TGF-ß3 rs3917200*G variant was associated with sarcoidosis (OR: 3.04 [95% CI: 1.98-4.69], p = 2.76*10-7). Further, ANXA11 rs1049550*A variant was associated with sarcoidosis (OR: 0.59 [0.39-0.89], p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This first study of genetic variation of immune-related genes in Greek patients with sarcoidosis brings to attention a novel disease 'susceptibility' factor: TGF-ß3 rs3917200*G allele. It also confirms previously reported 'protective' association between sarcoidosis and functional variant ANXA11 rs1049550*A. Further work is required to validate these findings and to expand investigation of their plausible relationship with clinical course of the disease.

Six minute walking test and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity for non-small cell lung cancer: easy performed tests in every day practice.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that reduced lung function is a significant risk factor for lung cancer and increased surgical risk in patients with operable stages of lung cancer. The aim of the study was to perform pulmonary function tests and investigate which is a favorable respiratory function test for overall survival between lung cancer stages. METHODS: Lung function tests were performed to lung cancer patients with non-small cell lung cancer of stage I, II, III and IV (241 patients in total). They had the last follow-up consecutively between December 2006 and July 2008. The staging was decided according to the sixth edition of TNM classification of NSCLC. The Forced Expiratory Volume in 1sec (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) were measured according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. The 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT) was measured according to the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS: There was a significant association of the DLCO upon diagnosis and overall survival for stage II (P<0.007) and IV (P<0.003). Furthermore, there was a significant association between 6MWT and overall survival for stage III (P<0.001) and stage IV (P<0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The significance for each lung function test is different among the stages of NSCLC. DLCO and 6MWT upon admission are the most valuable prognostic factors for overall survival of NSCLC.